Olazabal, Monty fail to qualify for U.S. Open

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WALTON HEATH, England – Alex Noren of Sweden qualified for the U.S. Open for the second straight year, while past and present European Ryder Cup captains Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal failed to do so.

Noren shot rounds of 67 and 68 in the 36-hole, qualifying tournament on Monday. He joined Marc Warren of Scotland (70, 65) at 11 under as the leading players of the 11 qualifiers at Walton Heath.

''I went through this qualifying last year. It proved a turnaround in my season because I have always wanted to play a U.S. Open,'' Noren said. ''I played Congressional last year, where Rory (McIlroy) won and played all four rounds, so I was really pleased. It's just great to be going back again.''

Warren will make his debut at a major after two prior attempts, in 2007 and 2008, to qualify from Walton Heath.

''I couldn't be more happy and really looking forward to the championship,'' he said.